Page 13 of My Playboy Neighbor

"I'm sorry.I’ve been busy.Look, I hope my actions didn’t make things more difficult for you.”

"No, listen.What you did—standing up to Paolo—it reminded me why I got clean.Not for the magazines or the family reputation, but because someone I love refused to let me disappear."Her voice cracked."You saved me by refusing to let go."

Dom’s throat tightened."You saved yourself.I just couldn't watch him destroy you."

"That's my point.You've spent your whole life protecting people—me, your image, your heart.But Dom, you sound exhausted.Different.Like you're fighting something new."She paused."Are you okay?Really okay?"

Dom was quiet for a long moment."I don't know."

“Don’t worry about that bitch Elena. They’re ripping her apart on TikTok.”

“I didn’t want that,” he said.

“She needs to be called out on her lies.”

Elena needed someone that would give her the drama and attention she craved. Dom hadn’t been that person. He had been too wrapped up in his career. Was it more irony that she was partly responsible for ending it?

“It’ll blow over,” Sophia soothed.

But would it? He grunted.

"When's the last time you let someone take care of you instead of the other way around?"

The question hit harder than Dom expected.When had anyone ever tried to take care of him?His parents had been too busy managing his career, his lovers too interested in what he could give them, his friends too invested in the lifestyle he provided."I have to go."

"Dom, wait.Whatever you're running from—maybe try running toward it instead."

After she hung up, Dom stared at his phone.When did his little sister get to be so wise.

A soft knock at his door interrupted his brooding.Dom glanced at the clock—nearly midnight.He wasn't expecting anyone, and room service would have called first.

When he opened the door, a stunning brunette in a designer dress that left little to the imagination was standing there.She was the type he would have noticed immediately a week ago—all curves and confidence, with the kind of practiced sexuality that promised no complications.

"Dominic Valenti," she purred, her accent suggesting Eastern European origins."I'm Katarina.I was at the bar downstairs and noticed you seemed tense."

Dom's eyes traveled down her body appreciatively.She was eager and willing and exactly the kind of distraction he usually preferred when his world was going to hell.No strings, no emotions, just physical release.

This was familiar territory.How many women like Katarina had he taken to bed over the years?Casual fans who wanted nothing more than a night with him.It had always been enough before—more than enough.It had been part of his identity, his reputation.The playboy who could have anyone he wanted.

"Is that so?"he said, leaning against the doorframe.

Katarina stepped closer, her hand trailing down his bare chest."I thought perhaps you might need some relaxation.I'm very good at helping men unwind."

Dom caught her hand, studying her face.She was gorgeous, willing, and offering exactly what his body should crave.A few hours of forgetting his problems in the most pleasurable way possible.This was his pattern, his go-to method for dealing with stress and frustration.

But when he tried to summon his usual appetite for meaningless encounters, all he could think about was Maya.The way she'd looked at him in the studio, so trusting and responsive.The soft sounds she'd made when he touched her.The way she'd said his name like a prayer.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

"I appreciate the offer," Dom said, releasing Katarina's hand."But I'm going to have to pass."

Surprise flickered across her features."Are you certain?I could make you forget all about your troubles."

"I'm sure you could."Dom's smile was polite but final."But not tonight."

He closed the door gently but firmly, leaving Katarina in the hallway.Dom stared at the closed door for a long moment, wondering what the hell had just happened to him.Three months ago, he wouldn't have hesitated.No complications, exactly what he needed to burn off his frustration.

Now the idea left him cold.

---